Are you overwhelmed by relentless phone calls from Patenaude & Felix (P&F)? If so, you’re not alone. This firm’s aggressive collection tactics can often cross the line of legality, and you have rights that can protect you. The Wood Law Firm can help you stop the harassment and potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages. Our services come at no cost to you, so you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket.
Understanding Patenaude & Felix’s Phone Harassment
Patenaude & Felix, a debt collection agency based in San Diego, California, is renowned for its aggressive collection strategies. If you’re receiving persistent and disruptive phone calls from this firm, you could be experiencing what is known as phone harassment. This situation can be stressful and confusing, especially if the calls are frequent, occur at inconvenient times, or involve threatening behavior.
Signs of Phone Harassment
Phone harassment from Patenaude & Felix can manifest in various forms:
Repeated Calls: If you receive multiple calls daily, especially unsolicited and relentless, this could be considered harassment. Calls at inconvenient hours, such as early morning or late night, further exacerbate the issue.
Threats of Legal Action: Harassment may include threats to take legal action or garnish your wages, even if such actions are not legally justified or are exaggerated. These threats intend to coerce payment through fear rather than legitimate legal processes.
Contacting Third Parties: Another alarming sign is if Patenaude & Felix contacts your family, friends, or neighbors about your debt. This practice invades your privacy and may also breach regulations intended to protect consumer confidentiality.
Misleading or Aggressive Behavior: Misleading statements about the debt amount or the consequences of non-payment, along with aggressive tactics designed to intimidate you, are clear indications of harassment.
Legal Protections Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair practices by debt collectors. Under the FDCPA, Patenaude & Felix, like all debt collectors, must adhere to specific guidelines when attempting to collect debts. Key provisions of the FDCPA include:
Restrictions on Communication: Debt collectors cannot call you at odd hours or contact you after you’ve requested them to cease communication. They must also avoid using abusive or harassing language.
Prohibition of Threats: Debt collectors cannot threaten legal action, wage garnishment, or asset seizure unless they are legally permitted to do so and have taken the appropriate legal steps.
Privacy Protections: Collectors cannot disclose information about your debt to third parties, including family members, friends, or neighbors, without your consent.
Taking Action Against Harassment
You have legal recourse if Patenaude & Felix violate these FDCPA guidelines. You can take the following steps to address and resolve the issue:
Document the Harassment: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with Patenaude & Felix. Note the dates, times, content of conversations, and any other relevant details. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to take legal action.
Send a Cease and Desist Letter: You may formally request Patenaude & Felix to cease all communication. Send this letter via certified mail to ensure they receive and acknowledge it.
File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s attorney general’s office. These agencies can investigate the practices of debt collectors and may take action on your behalf.
Seek Legal Counsel: Consulting with an attorney experienced in debt collection and consumer rights can provide expert guidance. They can help you understand your options, negotiate with the debt collector, and represent you in court if necessary.
Legal Remedies and Compensation
If Patenaude & Felix’s actions violate the FDCPA, you can sue them in court. Successful legal action against the firm may result in:
Stopping the Harassment: A court order can prohibit Patenaude & Felix from continuing their abusive practices.
Statutory Damages: You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages for the distress caused by the harassment.
Compensation for Legal Costs: In addition to statutory damages, you may also be able to recover attorney fees and court costs associated with the lawsuit.
Is Patenaude & Felix a Scam?
Despite its controversial practices, Patenaude & Felix is not a scam. The company has been operational since 1992 and is a legitimate business entity. However, its history includes numerous complaints about aggressive and sometimes unlawful collection tactics. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has logged 12 complaints against P&F over the past three years, reflecting ongoing issues with their practices.
About Patenaude & Felix
Patenaude & Felix is a third-party debt collection agency in San Diego, California. Over the years, this firm has been involved in over 150 federal court cases, primarily concerning allegations of rights violations in its debt collection processes. The company has faced legal action for employing questionable and aggressive tactics to coerce consumer payments.
Address: 4545 Murphy Canyon Rd., #300 San Diego, CA 92123
Patenaude & Felix uses various search names and abbreviations, including:
Patenaude & Felix
Patenaude and Felix
P&F
Patenaude & Felix APC
Law Offices of Patenaude & Felix
Patenaude Felix
Patenaude & Felix Collection Agency
Recognizing Harassment Tactics
If Patenaude & Felix employs any of the following tactics, they may be violating the FDCPA:
Profanity or abusive language: using offensive or abusive language during calls.
Inappropriate Call Times: Contacting you before 8:00 a.m., after 9:00 p.m., or at other inconvenient times.
Excessive Calls: calling you multiple times per week.
Disclosure of Debt to Others: Discussing your debt with third parties is unacceptable.
Workplace Calls: Contact your employer after you have told them not to contact your workplace.
Threats: Threatening legal action, harm, or damage to your credit is against the law.
False Statements: Misrepresenting the amount owed or potential actions they may take.
Illegal Practices: The FDCPA prohibits sending false information to credit bureaus or causing your phone to ring excessively.
Known Phone Numbers Used by Patenaude & Felix
If you’re receiving calls from any of the following numbers, you may be dealing with Patenaude & Felix:
800-832-7675
702-952-2031
800-867-3092
503-208-2676
412-429-7675
866-772-7675
206-441-4065
866-606-3290
This list is incomplete, as P&F may also use other numbers. If you suspect you’re getting calls from Patenaude & Felix, contact us immediately. We can help you stop these calls and ensure your rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patenaude & Felix a scam?
Patenaude & Felix is a legitimate debt collection agency with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Founded in the early 1990s, this firm has become a significant player in debt collection. However, while it operates legally, it has faced considerable criticism due to its aggressive debt collection practices. These practices have led to numerous complaints and legal actions, as some consumers and watchdog organizations feel that their methods sometimes violate fair debt collection regulations. It’s important to differentiate between a company being a scam and having questionable practices; Patenaude & Felix is not a scam, but its approach to debt collection has been contentious.
Can Patenaude & Felix seize my property?
Typically, Patenaude & Felix must have the authority to seize your property. Debt collectors, including Patenaude & Felix, are generally prohibited from physically taking your belongings. However, there are specific conditions under which the bank may repossess your property. If the debt in question is secured by collateral—such as a car loan or a mortgage—the property tied to that loan may be subject to repossession if you default. Additionally, suppose Patenaude & Felix obtain a court judgment against you for an unsecured debt. In that case, they may seek a court order that allows them to take certain assets, but this requires a legal process and court approval.
Can Patenaude & Felix sue me?
Patenaude & Felix can initiate legal action against you if the debt is within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of debt and the state in which you reside. It represents the maximum period when a creditor or debt collector can legally sue you to recover a debt. If you are within this time frame, Patenaude & Felix can file a lawsuit to obtain a judgment against you. This judgment could lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies if the court rules in their favor.
Can Patenaude & Felix report my debt to credit bureaus?
Indeed, Patenaude & Felix is authorized to report your unpaid debts to credit bureaus. Credit reporting is a standard practice among debt collectors. When they report a debt to the credit bureaus, it can significantly negatively impact your credit score. This, in turn, can affect your ability to secure future loans, credit cards, or even rental agreements. It’s crucial to promptly address any disputes with Patenaude & Felix to avoid long-term damage to your credit.
Can Patenaude & Felix arrest me?
Debt collectors, including Patenaude & Felix, do not have the power to arrest individuals solely for failing to pay a debt. Arrests related to debt typically stem from failing to comply with court orders rather than from the debt itself. For instance, if you miss a court date or fail to comply with a legal ruling related to a debt, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. However, this is rare and usually only occurs in specific circumstances, such as for certain debts like unpaid child support or serious violations like traffic fines. The key takeaway is that while Patenaude & Felix cannot arrest you for not paying a debt, legal proceedings and court orders related to debt disputes can lead to more severe consequences if you don’t handle them properly.
Complaints Against Patenaude & Felix
Here are some examples of legal complaints filed against Patenaude & Felix:
8:10-cv-01713-MLG Robin Ramirez v. Patenaude & Felix et al
8:15-cv-01063-JLS-DFM Kristin Kelly v. Patenaude & Felix
2:19-cv-00008-KJM-CKD Koval v. Patenaude & Felix
5:07-cv-03396-JW Bankston v. Patenaude & Felix et al
5:07-cv-04403-JW Aragon v. Patenaude & Felix et al
About The Wood Law Firm
The Wood Law Firm specializes in protecting clients from debt collection harassment, including issues related to phone calls. Since 2010, we have helped individuals combat aggressive and unlawful collection practices. Our firm boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
For immediate assistance or to learn more about how to stop harassment from Patenaude & Felix, call us at +1 844-638-1122 or visit our website.
Success Stories
Empowering Relief and Justice: Client Experiences with The Wood Law Firm
At The Wood Law Firm, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results for our clients who face harassment from aggressive debt collectors. Our clients’ success stories highlight our commitment to protecting your rights and achieving justice. Here are some of their experiences:
Turning Harassment into Relief
“I cannot express how grateful I am for the support from The Wood Law Firm. When I was being bombarded with harassing phone calls from a debt collector, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. The Wood Law Firm stepped in and took immediate action. Their team not only stopped the incessant calls but also communicated with me clearly about my rights throughout the entire process.”
Why Our Clients Trust Us
These testimonials reflect the core values of The Wood Law Firm: dedication, expertise, and client-focused service. Our mission is to stand up for your rights and provide practical solutions to debt collection issues. Whether it’s stopping harassment, securing compensation, or simply offering guidance, we are here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us at +1 844-638-1122.
